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Guard Admits Smuggling Phones, Drugs
40-year-old Domingo Garcia has plead guilty to smuggling in marijuana and cell phones in to prisoners at Folsom Prison in exchange for cash from inmates. He faces up to one year in jail.Labels: Folsom Prison
posted March 31, 2010

Guard Stabbed in Prison Attack
A Folsom Prison guard was slashed in the neck and received 68 stitches, though he has been discharged from the hospital. Jonathan McClaurin, 33, attacked the officer inside one of the maximum-security units and slashed the man's neck, jaw and ear.Labels: Folsom Prison
posted December 28, 2009

It's All About the Prison.
2 Beautiful lakes, yes. Charming historic area, yes. Interesting history, yes. However how many towns in the country can lay claim to home of one of the most famous prisons in the world? Folsom Prison is what we are known for, like it or not. See what a Bostonian discovered.Labels: Folsom Prison
posted July 18, 2009

Hollywood in Folsom?
Folsom-based Redwood Palms Pictures has done a bunch of movies outside of California, but is now looking to do a $15M movie set around Folsom Prison, including a "well known male lead" committed to the project. * Movies filmed in FolsomLabels: Folsom Prison, movies
posted February 23, 2009

Folsom Prison Escape
42-year old Robert Micheletti has been missing since 9 pm last night, and has apparently escaped Folsom Prison's minimum security facility. Micheletti was serving a six year sentence for possession of a controlled substance.Labels: Folsom Prison, Prison Escape
posted October 26, 2008

Riot at Prison Sparks Lockdown
At least 18 were injured in a riot at Folsom Prison yesterday; "Old" Folsom Prison was locked down after a fight in the prison yard between whites and blacks escalated and spilled in to 2 different buildings.Labels: Folsom Prison, lockdown
posted October 01, 2008

Prison Medical Facility Proposed
A 1,500 bed medical facility is being proposed on Folsom Prison grounds; in which 1,500 jobs would be created - half medical, and half correctional. Council member Jeff Starsky is opposed to such an idea as it might impact traffic. * Discuss in the ForumsLabels: Folsom City Council, Folsom Prison
posted August 28, 2008

Prison Ships Out
California State Prison, Sacramento (aka "New Folsom Prison"), is in the process of moving out a number of inmates who have been staying at gyms and clinics. AB 900 has made it possible to transfer prisoners out of state.Labels: Folsom Prison
posted May 28, 2008

Still on the Loose
Folsom Prison has seen some escapes... the most notable was that of Glen Stewart Godwin, who escaped 20 years ago, as an accomplice sawed through a sewer pipe and left a raft for him at the American River below. Godwin is still on the loose and is one of the 10 most wanted by the FBI.Labels: Folsom Prison, Prison Break
posted February 27, 2008

Filmed in Folsom
Eddie Murphy, Nick Nolte, Edward James Olmos, and other movie stars have filmed movies here in Folsom, California... thanks to some keen eyes from our netizens, we discovered some hidden gems on YouTube. See what parts of town you recognize!Labels: Folsom Dam, Folsom Prison, movies, Rainbow Bridge
posted January 22, 2008

Prison Concert Scrapped
The Johnny Cash anniversary concert at Folsom Prison was cancelled, amid security concerns and disagreements over media access to the concert. The producer had wanted sole media access to the concert, and threatened to cancel the concert if other media had appeared. To avoid a security issue with inmates, the concert was cancelled.Labels: Folsom Prison, Johnny Cash
posted January 08, 2008

Back to Folsom Prison
40 years after the legendary Johnny Cash concert at Folsom Prison, longtime Cash drummer will lead the band back for a free concert. Prison Fellowship Ministries is helping pay for the event, among other vendors. You can stream the event live on Sunday, January 13, on iClips.net.Labels: Folsom Prison, Johnny Cash
posted January 07, 2008

3 Found Dead in Folsom Home
Three people have been found dead at 112 Wembley Court. An employee of Folsom Prison called when 2 co-workers did not show up for work; Folsom Police report that Laurence Moll shot and killed his long-time girlfriend, Bonnie Lathum, as well as her daughter, Teresa Contreras, before turning the gun on himself. * Folsom Forum Discussion * News10.net article * SacBee articleLabels: fatality, Folsom Police, Folsom Prison, murder, suicide
posted January 17, 2007

Folsom Guard Unharmed After 10 Hour Standoff
"New Folsom" prison had a scare on Saturday, as an inmate took a guard hostage for 10 hours, upset over being fired from his job as a cook in the facility. Michael David Watson, in prison for robbery and false imprisonment, may be considered as a third strike for the hostage-taking.Labels: Folsom Prison
posted May 08, 2006

Return to Folsom Prison
Joaquin Phoenix, who portrays Johnny Cash in the film Walk the Line, will attend a screening of the movie at Folsom Prison, where Johnny Cash played almost 40 years ago. Walk the Line is nominated for 3 Golden Globe awards and is in theaters now. Story in USA Today.Labels: Folsom Prison, Johnny Cash
posted December 22, 2005

The Man in Black
Johnny Cash put Folsom on the map. When this city was nothing more than a sleepy little prison town, Johnny Cash came to play a live concert, including "Folsom Prison Blues", at Folsom Prison. Johnny Cash is remembered in Hollywood's biopic, "Walk the Line". * pics of Johnny Cash at Folsom PrisonLabels: Folsom Prison, Johnny Cash
posted November 17, 2005

Folsom Prison Terror Ties
FBI have uncovered a terrorist plot to bomb synogues and National Guard units in Los Angeles on the 4-year anniversary of 9/11. The plot appears to have been devised by a couple of former Folsom Prison inmates, who have been planning the attacks since they were incarcerated. Story in the Sacramento Bee. * Discuss on the forumsLabels: Folsom Prison
posted August 17, 2005

Dam Bridge Routes Proposed
The new Folsom Dam Road replacement bridge has unveiled its likely alignments - 4 different paths that start around the entrance to the current Dam Road, and aligns next to Folsom Prison property. Depending on the design of the bridge, the new bridge may likely have a pretty good view of Folsom Prison. Details in the Bee.Labels: Cash Crossing, Dam Road, Folsom Dam Bridge, Folsom Lake Crossing, Folsom Prison
posted May 01, 2005

Parolee Nabbed After Chase
Patrick Kelly, a 27-year old on his way to a treatment facility near Folsom Prison, escaped out of a transport van earlier today, and ended up at Orange Blossom Circle, where he asked to use a resident's phone. Resident Teresa Stanley became suspicious and fled to a neighbor's house, while Kelly stole her Toyota. Police later found and arrested him in Fair Oaks. Story in News10.net, KCRAChannel, Sacramento Bee.Labels: Folsom Police, Folsom Prison
posted February 02, 2005

Folsom: Then and Now
There is little doubt that the city of Folsom has changed quite a bit in the last few years. What was once a small prison town in the "boonies", is now the very edge of the suburbs of Sacramento, with no signs of stopping. Take a look back at how Folsom has changed in the last 150 years in our "Folsom Then & Now" photo album.Labels: Folsom Prison
posted January 14, 2005

Prisoners Give Bikes to Community
Folsom Prison has had an outreach program for more than seven years now - minimum-security inmates have been refurbishing old bikes to give to needy children in the area. Over 1,000 bikes have been handed out since the program started. The bikes then go through the Marine Corps Toys for Tots, where they distribute the bikes. Story in the Telegraph.Labels: Folsom Prison, USACE
posted December 08, 2004

Johnny Cash Inspires Musicians
One of Johnny Cash's most famous concerts was his concert at Folsom Prison. Now, musicians are paying homage to the late great artist, by visiting the prison and treating the inmates to a free convert. Bob Dylan imitator Joel Gilberts did this recently, and it was a big hit. Full details: San Jose Mercury News.Labels: Folsom Prison, Johnny Cash
posted September 18, 2004

Intel Folsom Turns 20
In 1984, Folsom was a rural town on the outskirts of the county, whose economy was fueled by Folsom Prison. Intel decided to build a satellite campus at what is now Prairie City Road and Iron Point - in the middle of nowhere at the time. Today Intel is the largest employer in the Sacramento Valley, and still has a little room to grow. Full Story.
* About Intel FolsomLabels: Folsom Prison, Intel
posted September 11, 2004

Folsom Microbrewery Coming Soon
Folsom will soon be home to a new microbrew, Lockdown Brewing Company, home of the "Folsom Prison Brews". The label will look familiar to some - it's the guard tower to Folsom Prison! Partners Myles Deniz and Robert Whistler hope to have the microbrewery open on Sutter Street by December 2005. More in the Sacramento Bee.
* www.lockdownbrewingcompany.comLabels: Folsom Prison, Sutter Street
posted August 26, 2004

Prison Guards Fight Back
In light of a statewide prison abuse scandal including Folsom Prison, the California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA) has started a flier and television campaign. Prisoner assaults on officers are highlighted, showing how violent the world of corrections can be. Full story: Oakland TribuneLabels: Folsom Prison
posted May 09, 2004

Folsom's Famous Prison
Folsom Prison has been home to many criminals, some famous and some not so famous... however it has stood the test of time over the years. One of California's oldest prisons was created as a means of cheap labor for creating a sawmill, and eventually the Folsom Powerhouse. Come see what Folsom Prison looks like in our Folsom Photo Journal!Labels: Folsom Prison
posted February 14, 2004

Prison Scandal Leads to Overhaul
A 2002 gang-related riot has led to several firings and reassignments of Folsom Prison leadership, amid a firestorm of controversy. The riot started when 2 rival gangs were released in to the prison yard all at once (instead of gradually) and a riot ensued. Matters were made worse when those responsible tried to cover up the incident. The corrections officer in charge committed suicide during the aftermath. Details
* News10 article
Labels: Folsom Prison, suicide
posted January 23, 2004

Folsom Prison Warden Ousted
Diana Butler, warden of Folsom State Prison, was removed from her duties on Thursday. This comes in wake of a 2002 prison riot in which 80 inmates were involved and 25 were injured. An high-ranking officer was demoted due to the riot, and he later took his own life. More is in the Bee.Labels: Folsom Prison
posted December 13, 2003

City Council Seeking Veterans' Input
In an effort to ease any tension with the Folsom Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Folsom City Council is seeking input from the group to determine the fate of a ball field donated by the Veterans in the infancy of the city's charter. The ball field is being removed to make way for the new library, but Veterans are not pleased with the plans, since they originally donated the land to the city. More in the Bee.
11.29.2003
Empire Oaks Teacher Arrested for Child Porn
Scott Gmitter, a 33-year old 4th Grade Teacher at Empire Oaks Elementary, was arrested on 10 counts of child porn. The arrest comes after an investigation spurred by a young student, who accused the teacher of inappropriate touching. Gmitter is now on unpaid administrative leave, following an investigation. More in the Bee.
* Discuss this on the Folsom Forums
11.28.2003
New Library Designs Unveiled
Designs for the New Folsom Library were shown off at a November 18 workshop; the $8.5 million building may be designed with certain themes in mind, from the city's historic district to newer styles of architecture. Some concepts even showed off how angles of the library could capture great views of the city, and almost everybody agrees that the library will benefit the city. See the Bee for details.
11.27.2003
3 Trash Bins Part of City's New Recycling Plan
After the City of Folsom decided to shut down the prison recycling program (due to negative cash flow), it has now decided to put in place a new program, including 3 trash cans for residents. 1 can will be for trash, 1 for recycleables, and one for land waste. If the new program works, the city should be able to reduce residents' solid waste bills by $4 a month. Details
11.26.2003
Light Rail Coming Along Smoothly
Residents and motorists travelling along Folsom Boulevard may notice that the Light Rail project is moving along at a good pace. The old railroad track has been pulled up and further grading has been done to the land; 3 new stops will be put in place at Iron Point, Glenn Drive, and ultimately in Historic Folsom. There are even separate plans for an excursion train up to the city of Latrobe, using the original rail route from the 1800s. More is in the Folsom Telegraph.
11.23.2003
Fire Damages 2 Shops in Historic Folsom
The Colonies Antique Shop and Lingirie Intimates Plus were seriously damaged whe a 2-alarm fire ripped through the stores. A shared wall heater was the culprit of the fire; it is not immediately known how much (in dollars) it burned, but the fire chief coined it "extensive". More in the Sacramento Bee. Labels: Folsom City Council, Folsom Library, Folsom Prison
posted November 30, 2003

Officer Wounded at Prison
An unidentified officer at Folsom Prison was serisouly wounded on Monday, as inmate Ignacio Joshua attacked the officer with a 5 1/2 inch stabbing device. This is the second time in a month in which an officer has been attacked. More in sacbee.com.Labels: Folsom Prison
posted September 30, 2003

Johnny Cash Dead at 71
Johnny Cash, the music legend that made Folsom famous with his hit song "Folsom Prison Blues", died today of respiratory failure due to diabetes. The Man in Black peaked in the 1960's and 1970's and won 11 grammy awards. Cash even recently won an MTV video music award for his song "Hurt" in 2003. Labels: Folsom Prison, in memoriam, Johnny Cash
posted September 12, 2003

9.2.2003
Death Row in Folsom Still a Possibility
Death Row is starting to trickle up again as a hot topic for Folsom residents - even though Governor Davis signed a $220 million bond for a new Death Row at San Quentin, Assemblyman Joe Nation has persuaded the Joint Legislative Audit Committee to explore all options - includinmg moving it to Folsom. Nation wants the 275-acre site in San Rafael to be developed, rather than build on to the existing prison. For full details, please read the articel in the Contra Costa Times.Labels: Folsom Prison
posted September 03, 2003

Recycling Alternatives
With the city of Folsom no longer using Folsom Prison to take care of its recycleables, many residents are left wondering where exactly to take it. Fortunately, residents who choose to can take them to Sutter Middle School, WalMart, and Folsom Village Shopping Center. More is in the Telegraph.Labels: Folsom Prison, schools, Sutter Street, WalMart
posted August 06, 2003

Running Around in an Orange Jumpsuit: Not Funny
Inspired by the hit TV show "Jackass", a couple of Loomis teens decided to pull a prank, by running around handcuffed in an orange jumpsuit by a rural road. A citizen called the police and soon a full-scale manhunt was ordered, complete with a lockdown of Folsom Prison, a police helicopter, patrol cars, and police dogs. The teens soon realized the err of their ways and ditched the jumpsuit and confessed to a parent. Police were not amused. More is in the Bee, KTVU-2Labels: Folsom Police, Folsom Prison, lockdown, teens
posted May 08, 2003

City to Shut Down Minimum Security Prison
Due to the fact that the city is losing about $1.4 million a year running a 430-bed minimum-security prison, City Manager Martha Clark-Lofgren is recommending that it is shut down at the end of the fiscal year. Currently the city's trash gets sorted and recycled at this facility, but has been losing money for some time. 63 city employees will lose their jobs if the prison is cut. The prison is next to, but not related to Folsom State Prison. More is in the Telegraph and the Bee.Labels: Folsom Prison
posted March 19, 2003

Freeloading Prisoners?
Did you know that Folsom Prison is currently not being billed for its sewer usage? Since December of 2000, the California State Prison (aka Folsom Prison) has not been paying for its sewer usage. One clever Folsom resident discovered this apparent clerical error and brought it to the attention of the city recently. Check out Folsom's explanation for this (Requires MS PowerPoint). Can't download the file? We converted it to HTML.
Also See: Discuss this on the Folsom Forums!Labels: Folsom Prison
posted March 18, 2003

Ose Looks to Get a 4-Lane Bridge
With the impending traffic issues that will result from the Folsom Dam Road closure, Representative Doug Ose is seeking an additional 4-lane bridge spanning over the American River. The proposal has been mired in the fight between the Auburn Dam proponents and those wishing to raise Folsom Dam in the past, giving uncertainty to the bridge. Ose now plans on filing a separate bill, though it is still uncertain. More is in the Bee. Also See: Telegraph Article / Official Website of Doug Ose / Matsui, Boxer, Feinstein want Bridge and Mini-Raise
2.25.2003
Folsom Prison to Count Towards Low-Income Housing?
Don't laugh, but Assemblyman Dave Cox is pushing to pass a bill which would virtually give Folsom exemption on affordable housing. Cox proposes to count beds in Folsom Prison towards the city's affordable-housing goals, which would practically meet Folsom's low-income housing needs. Unfortunately, as the legislature is largely Democrat-ruled, the bill would have very little chance of passing. More is in the Bee.Labels: Cash Crossing, Folsom Lake Crossing, Folsom Prison
posted February 25, 2003

Garbage & Sewer Rates to Go Through the Roof
In a move that will increase sewer rates by 420% and garbage rates by 50%, Folsom City Council found it prudent to increase Folsom residents' utility bills until 2008. The sewer rate increase will cover operations and maintenance costs. The garbage rate increase will go towards a city-wide recycling program. Though Folsom's garbage gets recycled at Folsom prison, operations costs have risen. It has been rumored that the city is actually losing money on the prison recycling program. More is in the Bee.Labels: Folsom Prison
posted February 02, 2003

The Man in Black
In 1956, Johnny Cash put Folsom on the map with his #1 Billboard hit, "Folsom Prison Blues". If nothing else, Folsom is well known for its maximum-security prison, with many thanks to Johnny Cash. Though he never shot a man in Reno just to watch him die, it still is a catchy tune, and one of Cash's most famous songs. Click here to read a little bit about it.
Also See: JohnnyCash.Com / More Pictures of Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison Labels: Folsom Prison, Johnny Cash, map
posted January 16, 2003

Lake Natoma Cleared for Use
Officials have given the green light for swimmers to return to Lake Natoma, after results confirmed that 10,000 gallons of sewage did not make its way in to the water. The lake was closed down for several days, as water was tested for contamination, after a spill resulted from a plumbing blockage at Folsom Prison. Many users of the lake, including students using the CSUS Aquatic Center, were turned away in the past few days as a precaution. More information is available in the Sacramento Bee.Labels: Folsom Prison, Lake Natoma
posted September 29, 2002

2 Sewage Spills Reported in Folsom
Folsom officials are smarting over the latest sewage spills in Folsom - a 2,000 gallon spill in the historic district, as well as a 10,000 gallon spill from Folsom prison. A temporary pipe being used during maintenance was to blame for the smaller spill, and an unknown prisoner at Folsom Prison was responsible for the larger one. Lake Natoma is considered contaminated and unsafe for public use at this time. More details in the Bee.Labels: Folsom Prison, Lake Natoma
posted September 24, 2002

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